My big confession: OK, so I've been "using" homemade laundry soap for the last 2 years, but I can't honestly say that I've been "making" it,... my mom has. I've never actually made it myself. My mom recently moved out, but not before making me gallons of laundry detergent. So, to say the least, I've been spoiled. A couple of weeks ago, I ran out of detergent, and being accustomed to not buying any I had to figure something out. So I did a quick search and found some highly rated powdered laundry detergent recipes and have been making that ever since. After having to make my 3rd batch of detergent in a 2 week period, I realized that the powder is not quite as cost effective as the liquid/gel even thought it is definitely easier, lol. So I finally decided to stop being lazy, and begin my experiments of making my family's laundry gel. Sooooo, 20 youtube videos later (I have to be completely sure I've seen the process done, and fully understand it, lol) I've made my first attempt. I only made half a batch (5 gal recipe) because I only had a half bar of soap, and I was scared to mess up more than that. This way if I failed, I was just using what was on hand....
The recipe/video used Fels Naptha, Washing Soda, Borax, and water. I used Colgate's "Octagon"
(because it's what I had, what my mom always used, and I can't find Fels Naptha anywhere), but all other ingredients were the same. I just halved the recipe.
The video I watched (and paused at each step, lol) is from christianhomekeeper
And here's the end result (after sitting the recommended 24 hours in order to gel):
You can't really tell from the pic, but it had gelled completely! I was so excited!
And here's AJ pouring it into an old gallon vinegar container for me. (After I whisked it as she said in second video showing the finished product). This made me 2.5 gal, and after sitting in the bucket 24 hours and whisking, I poured it into 2 old laundry detergent containers (1 gal and 1 half gal) and the rest in the vinegar container (1 gal).
I know that making homemade laundry detergent is not new to most of you virtuous frugal ladies out there, but for me it was a first! Today is laundry day, so the proof is in the pudding, I'll let you know if it actually cleans, LOL!
In the meantime, for more frugal tips, head on over to the Home of Tightwad Tuesday hosted by Canadagirl!
I LOVE homemade laundry soap. I started making it this last year and won't stop. I am sure you loved it. I use any inexpensive soap bar. ( it doesn't really matter which one you use [0=)
I'm a wannabe in every sense of the word. I wanna be good enough to make it to heaven, but Jesus died because I will never be. I wanna be a mom of ten living on a farm in the middle of nowhere, training my girls to honor God & their husbands, by being content, happy homemakers...yet God has seen fit to bless us with the opportunity to help rear for Him two boys (22 and 12), in the middle of suburbia ;) I wanna be a helpmate to my husband in every way possible, yet more often than not, I'm in his way, lol. I wanna be the perfect parent, that raises perfect children, yet I am constantly humbled by the fact that only He is perfect, and I must allow him to lead. I wanna be the ultimate caretaker of my temple, and the pinnacle of health to all around me, yet no amount of healthy eating/exercise keeps me from dropping to my knees often, in need of healing from the Great Physician. I could go on and on about the the things that I am trying to be, but I invite you instead to come and join me as I travel on my path toward virtue... ~Proverbs 31:10-31~
... my mom has. I've never actually made it myself. My mom recently moved out, but not before making me gallons of laundry detergent. So, to say the least, I've been spoiled. A couple of weeks ago, I ran out of detergent, and being accustomed to not buying any I had to figure something out. So I did a quick search and found some highly rated powdered laundry detergent recipes and have been making that ever since. After having to make my 3rd batch of detergent in a 2 week period, I realized that the powder is not quite as cost effective as the liquid/gel even thought it is definitely easier, lol. So I finally decided to stop being lazy, and begin my experiments of making my family's laundry gel. Sooooo, 20 youtube videos later (I have to be completely sure I've seen the process done, and fully understand it, lol) I've made my first attempt. I only made half a batch (5 gal recipe) because I only had a half bar of soap, and I was scared to mess up more than that. This way if I failed, I was just using what was on hand....
• Sep. 9, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Happy Washing !
Blessings in Him<><
-Mary